THE Little Orme could be turned into a nature reserve as a way of safeguarding its future.
Public concerns over dog fouling, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and littering on the Little Orme has motivated officials to re-consider turning the site into a protected reserve.
Organisations such as Llandudno Town Council and the area’s Neighbourhood Watch put up signs to warn the public to clean up after their dogs and not to litter, but this has not worked.
A meeting between councillors, Conwy’s Highways and Countryside departments, North Wales Police and owners Mostyn Estates raised the possibility of looking into its potential as a reserve.
The idea of creating a nature reserve on the Little Orme had been investigated five years ago, and put to public consultation.
Seventy per cent of people in Penrhyn Bay were in favour of creating a reserve – but this was eventually opposed at a public meeting and the plan was dropped.
The Little Orme is owned by Mostyn Estates, who often send members of staff to the Little Orme to clear litter and move campers on.
Richard Thomas, land agent for Mostyn Estates, said the estate would support any move towards creating a nature reserve, as this would help keep a balance between open public access and maintaining the site.
He said: “The issues with which we are familiar on the Little Orme are anti-social behaviour litter and bottles left behind.”
“But from our point of view, we’re aware that people enjoy the Little Orme and we want to preserve it as an open space.
“Our attitude is people enjoy it and we would like that to continue.”
He added: “We’d support it becoming a reserve – we feel there’s potential there to put in local nature reserve, with consequences for people breaking bylaws.”
County councillor for Penrhyn Chris Cater, said re-visiting setting up a nature reserve could be an option to protect the site, but this would need a “very substantial” amount of public support and further funding.